David Hill

David Hill is one of New Zealand’s most distinguished writers of novels for teenagers and younger kids. He has been published in 10 languages and 15 countries. He is a former high school teacher, and was born in Napier in 1942.

Society
Mar 27, 2021

When we had to conceal instead of heal

In the not too distant past, grieving parents were expected to move on, to count their blessings, to not be morbid.

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Society
Feb 8, 2021
Headmaster with cane

When we caned children

'I remember the boy crying out in pain. I remember also the look of distress and reproach he aimed at me as he left the room.'

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Society
Dec 10, 2020

Love's labour: My mother, the servant

David Hill reflects on his mother's life of servitude, and that of many others like her. 

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Society
Nov 16, 2020

The virus that stalked children: Remembering New Zealand’s polio years

David Hill remembers his childhood friend Doug, who contracted polio a decade before the vaccine became available.

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Books
Oct 25, 2020

David Hill on the story that started it all

How one book became the template for 30 years of writing for children and young adults.

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Books
May 7, 2020

David Hill reviews Ian Wedde’s new novel, The Reed Warbler

An independent, sensuous life unfolds in hundreds of brightly-lit scenes.

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Books
Mar 21, 2018

Is there any such thing as literature in Taranaki?

We continue our occasional series which investigates whether any literary activity exists in the provinces. David Hill reports from his "entombment" in Taranaki.

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